but he is still demanding change in china. in a taped statement released today, chen who is blind called on the new leader of the communist party to carry out political reforms and free jailed activists. chen's appeal comes just days after his nephew was sentenced to three years in prison. a prosecution seen as punishment for aiding his uncle's daring escape from house arrest last april. >> later new orleans firefighters helping new yorkers rebuild after sandy. she remodeled her kitchen and only used fixtures made in america. and serious civil war. rebels closing in on the capitol city of damascus. those stories when the "cbs evening news" continues. t> >> jeff: a taliban attack at a military base in eastern afghanistan triggered a two hour battle today. suicide bombers began by detonating explosives at the gate of the nato base in jalalabadment all nine militants were killed. five afghan civilians also died. nato says the base was not breached. in syria two car bombs exploded today in the city of homs. at least 15 were killed